Blood Studies

An understanding of blood studies allows the Radiation
Therapist to better appreciate a patient’s condition. Radiation Therapy can
reduce white cell count as well as reduce platelet levels. Blood assists the body to fight infection as
well as prevent bleeding. Some of the other factors which can affect the blood
values of Cancer patients are chemotherapy as well as intravenous contrast a
patient may receive as part of their radiation therapy simulations procedure.

CBC

The complete blood count
(CBC) is a commonly ordered blood test. The major portion of this blood study
measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, as well as
platelets in the blood.

White blood cells are part
of the body’s immune system and assist the body in fighting infections. A low
white cell count may be a response to chemotherapy. While a high white cell
count may signify an infection or malignancy in the body.

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin
which is responsible for oxygen transport in the body. A low red blood cell
levels may signify anemia. While a high red blood cell count may be a response
to bone marrow disease or hypoxia (low levels of blood oxygenation).

Platelets are colorless disk
shaped blood cell fragments responsible for clotting. A low platelet count may
mean a patient has a difficulty clotting. While a high platelet count may
signify inflammation or a bone marrow problem.

BUN

Another common blood study
is: blood urea nitrogen or BUN. BUN levels reveal information on how well a
patient’s kidneys as well as liver are working. Here is a basic idea of how the
body forms as well as gets rid of urea nitrogen. Our livers produce ammonia
which contains nitrogen. Nitrogen combines
with oxygen, carbon, as well as hydrogen in the blood to form urea. Urea is filtered by our kidneys and leaves
the body through urine. A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) blood study reveals if urea
nitrogen levels are higher than normal which may mean a patient’s kidneys and
liver may not be working properly.

Creatine

Creatine is another common
blood study. Creatine is found in most body tissue and is responsible for
supplying energy for muscles. Creatinine is a waste product from creatine. Creatine
levels reveal how well a patient’s kidneys are working. Normal kidneys are capable of efficiently
removing creatine from the blood. If
creatine levels rise it may mean that kidney function is compromised.

Glomerular filtration rate
or GFR is yet another blood study used to check how well a patient’s kidneys are
functioning or index kidney function.
The GFR blood study measures the how much blood filters through a
patient’s kidney glomeruli each minute.
GFR values are often considered before administering intravenous MRI
gadolinium contrast. Factors affecting how blood values are read include a patient
race, age, as well as gender. A
patient’s weight is also considered before determining the amount of contrast
material to administer.